Facility

San Francisco Zoo and Gardens

Closing Date

Description

The San Francisco Zoological Society (“Society”) is a non-profit institution that manages and raises funds for San Francisco Zoo and Gardens (“Zoo”). The Society’s mission, supra, is summarized as the 3 c’s: to connect our visitors with wildlife so that they care about nature and ultimately conserve it. The Society’s leadership team is comprised of a CEO as well as a professional team of Senior Managers. The Society endeavors to meet or exceed the standards of its industry peers, including those established by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (“AZA”). For over 25 years, the Society has been continuously accredited by the AZA.

Summary:
Under the general supervision of the ARC Curator, this Assistant Curator position provides direct supervision of assigned Education Specialists, interns and volunteers who staff the Animal Resource Center. The Animal Resource Center (ARC) is home to nearly 100 ambassador animals, which are used for educational programs. The Assistant Curator provides leadership in developing and operating educational programs and guest animal encounters. Additionally, the Assistant Curator facilitates animal care operations within the ARC and ensures that assigned staff have the necessary supplies; is responsible for administrative functions; reviews, develops, and/or revises standard operating procedures or other reports; and conducts or coordinates safety training.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

This position requires extensive knowledge of animal behavior and husbandry including the care and feeding of zoo animals, the role of operant conditioning in captive animal care, as well as the hazards of working with zoo animals. An understanding of zoo policies and procedures and a working knowledge of animal diseases and the principles of biology and zoology is also required. Familiarity with regulatory agencies (AZA, USDA) and their standards or regulations is essential. This position requires the ability to perform heavy work including working safely and effectively with dangerous or exotic mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Exceptional interpersonal skills are essential for developing programs with children, teens, and adults. The Assistant Curator must keep operational records, prepare reports, and interact courteously with the public; and must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Section A: Essential Functions

1. Supervises the work of staff (Education Specialists, interns and volunteers) as assigned. Leads and trains employees to maintain the highest standards of animal care.
2. Maintains or reviews logs of animal observations and/or daily operations; implements, develops and/or revises animal care standard operating procedures to ensure proper care, maintenance and safety of animals, their quarters and facilities. Under direction of Curator of ARC, inspects ARC facility to ensure proper care, maintenance, and safety of animals and their quarters.
3. Under the oversight of the Curator, directs ARC animal training and enrichment.
4. Presents programming at the Wildlife Theatre, develops animal behaviors for Wildlife Theater shows, and reports on upkeep needs of theatre grounds.
5. Under the direction of the Curator, develops and oversees youth & adult volunteer programs within the ARC facility, with a focus on volunteer training, safety, and discipline.
6. Assists the Education department with the implementation and coordination of ZooMobile & other Education programs.
7. Interfaces with Veterinary, Wellness, and Nutrition staff to advance animal care.
8. Coordinates and works with other departments to implement educational programs, activities in public relations, membership, development, facility rentals and other support services.
9. Assists curator with Operations staff in coordinating sectional operations related to maintenance and repair activities, as well as to zoo events.
10. Provides input for the completion of Annual Performance Evaluations for all assigned subordinate staff including identification or performance objectives and identification of needed training.
11. May assist Human Resources in staff training and hiring, or in preparing other reports for incidents such as industrial injury, accident, or vandalism.
12. Responsible for administrative functions such as scheduling, work orders, and the ordering, receipt and distribution of diets provided by other departments.
13. May administer progressive discipline consulting with department management, ARC curator, and Human Resources.
14. Serves as Curator in Charge, may serve on Armed Response Team and may serve a role in native wildlife response.
15. May be required to perform the duties of an Education Specialist on an as needed basis.
16. Interacts with Zoo visitors courteously and offers proper attention at all times. Organize tours and develop keeper interface with visitors.

SECTION B: JOB RELATED DUTIES
1. Assists marketing and development staff in promoting the Zoo’s public image and attaining the Zoo’s public relations and community service objectives.
2. Assists the Curator in maintaining contacts with individuals and organizations involved in promoting worldwide conservation ethics and goals.
3. Performs other duties as required and assigned.
SECTION C: CORE EXPECTATIONS
1. Represents management and demonstrates a commitment to the Zoo’s mission statement and its’ core values.
2. Performs duties in a service-oriented manner.
3. Recognizes the needs of others and treats others with respect and dignity.
4. Maintains good work habits and adheres to the employee handbook and all policies and procedures.
5. Demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination and sexual harassment and supports the Office’s commitment to equal employment opportunities.
6. Demonstrates a commitment to workplace safety and works with Safety Officer as needed.
7. Demonstrates good presentation skills in dealing with the public, Zoo Board and internal and external stakeholders.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Directly supervises employees, interns, and volunteers. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies, applicable laws, and relevant labor laws. Responsibilities may include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; ensuring compliance with contracted obligations.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EXPERIENCE: Minimum three years paid experience in animal husbandry and captive animal management, including minimum one year experience with ambassador animals. Supervisory and curatorial experience in a major zoological institution preferred. Significant lead experience may substitute for supervisory and curatorial experience.

EDUCATION: Degree in zoology, biology, wildlife management, or related field preferred.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: The San Francisco Zoo encourages bilingual candidates to
apply.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 80 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to potentially hazardous animals.

TO APPLY: Apply via our web site at www.sfzoo.org . Please include a cover letter outlining your animal care experience. No calls please.

Education and Pre-requisites

Not specified.

Compensation and benefits

Not specified.

Application instructions

Apply via our web site at www.sfzoo.org . Please include a cover letter outlining your animal care experience. No calls please.